Method and apparatus for enhancing services in a software defined network

A software defined network manager, comprising:

• a processing system including a processor;
• and
• a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:
• receiving, from a default network slice comprising a first set of virtual network functions instantiated in a network, a first request to chain the default network slice to a second network slice to provide a service to a first communication device, wherein the second network slice comprises a second set of virtual network functions, wherein the default network slice accesses, from a database associated with the second network slice, information about a first characteristic associated with the second network slice and wherein the default network slice selects the second network slice for chaining with the default network slice according to the first characteristic associated with the second network slice;
• directing, responsive to the first request, the default network slice to route a portion of user plane communication traffic associated with a first communication device to the second network slice;
• and
• directing, responsive to the first request, the second network slice to receive the portion of user plane communication traffic associated with the first communication device from the default network slice and to provide the service to the first communication device via the default network slice and the second network slice according to user plane communication traffic.

A method, comprising:

• receiving, by a processing system including a processor, from a default network slice comprising a first set of virtual network functions instantiated in a network, a first request to chain the default network slice to a second network slice to provide a service to a first communication device, wherein the default network slice receives, from a database, information associated with a first characteristic associated with the second network slice, wherein the default network slice selects the second network slice for chaining with the default network slice according to the first characteristic associated with the second network slice, wherein the second network slice comprises a second set of virtual network functions, wherein the default network slice facilitates a first connection of a first communication device to the network;
• routing, by the processing system, responsive to the first request, a portion of user plane communication traffic associated with the first communication device to the second network slice;
• and
• transmitting, by the processing system, responsive to the first request, a second request to the second network slice to receive the portion of user plane communication traffic associated with the first communication device and to provide a service to the first communication device via the default network slice and the second network slice.